It’s like searching for a needle in the haystack in Los Angeles, except you have to sift through an infinite sea of choices. When you want to add a splashy paradise to your backyard you don’t want just any hole filled with water. You’re looking for something special. It’s important to find something that says “you”. How can you filter through the crowds and find your perfect match? Buckle up; we’re diving in – continue?

The first thing to do is forget about following the script. Your pool should keep up in LA, a city where the trends are changing faster than a chameleon dancing on a disco. Infinity edge? You’ve been there. Eco-friendly pools? What do you think? It’s important to find someone who thinks outside the box. What you need is someone who can listen to all your crazy ideas and asks, “Why?” You can say “That’s impossible” instead of “That is impossible.” You’ve probably thought of a hidden grotto. Or perhaps a spa integrated for those nights that the California chill creeps up on you? Yeah, let’s get wild.

The truth is that beauty doesn’t matter. Your dream pool needs to function perfectly. Then, enter stage left: Technical know-how. A good contractor can easily navigate around building codes and permit requirements. These contractors are like navigators charting stormy seas, only these seas consist of paperwork and redtape.

California is a state that has a lot of water. Water is as valuable as gold in California. We love the sunny days, but we can’t deny that it’s a precious commodity. Top-notch contractors are basically wizards with water-saving techniques up their sleeves. Think of rainwater catchment systems and energy efficient pumps that will make Mother Nature and you happy.

Then, trust. It is rare in business. Have you heard horror tales about projects taking forever to complete or budgets ballooning as a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s float? That’s no fun. They don’t just make promises and then forget about them. They keep their word, communicating clearly from the beginning (and beyond) to the end. They will outline everything in black and tan, such as the scope, budget and timeline, to ensure there aren’t any nasty surprises.

After-construction support can be a real game changer. Why would you want a new pool, if you didn’t know what to do to keep it in good condition? The best pool contractors are there long after the tile is down. They offer advice, maintenance suggestions or even services that will keep your aquatic paradise spotless.

You now have a simple guide on how to find your dream Los Angeles contractor. Remember to think big, yet focus on the details. You should also demand expertise while insisting on creativity.

You might think that finding the best person for the position is like trying win an Oscar. But hey, it’s LA! Dream big or leave, right? If you have patience and perseverance (and a little luck), then you will be able to make waves in no-time. They are our private oases, where we can stop the madness of life for a while. At least, try to avoid falling asleep on your textbooks. We should perhaps ask them what they think instead of assuming that we know best. Listening is the first step to understanding, even when what we hear makes you uncomfortable.